6533b7dbfe1ef96bd127087a

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Highly stable Zerodur based optical benches for microgravity applications and other adverse environments

subject

description

A number of cold atom experiments are restrained by the impeding effects of gravity. While efforts have been made to overcome these limitations in a gravitational environment, another approach is placing the experiment in a microgravity environment, as can be found aboard sounding rockets, satellites or a space station. The cornerstone of such experiments is a robust laser system. The adverse conditions during a rocket launch impose stringent requirements on thermal stability and resilience against mechanical stress on this part of the experimental setup. Furthermore, the very limited space found on any of the aforementioned microgravity platforms necessitates maximal miniaturization. In order to meet these requirements, we have developed a technology based on miniaturized free-space optics, mounted onto optical benches made from Zerodur, a glass-ceramic which exhibits a vanishing first order coefficient of thermal expansion. The technology has already been successfully implemented in the sounding rocket missions FOKUS, KALEXUS and MAIUS−1. It will also be used in the upcoming MAIUS−2/3 sounding rocket missions. To meet the even more restrictive size and mass constraints of the NASA-DLR Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Laboratory (BECCAL) mission, a quantum optics multi-user facility aboard the International Space Station, we are currently investigating a new and improved design concept. While being motivated by these missions, our technology can be expanded to any other experimental field where a small and robust laser system is needed.